Where Do the French Go Skiing? A Family Adventure in the French Alps
When it comes to skiing, the French are spoiled for choice with the majestic French Alps right in their backyard. Home to some of the largest and most famous ski areas in the world, the French Alps attract both seasoned pros and eager beginners each year. If you’re curious about where the French love to hit the slopes, here’s a quick guide to some of their favorite resorts:
Top French Alpine Ski Resorts
- Chamonix
Known as the “capital of extreme skiing,” Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a magnet for thrill-seekers and adventurers. With challenging terrain, off-piste opportunities, and a rich mountaineering history, it’s a favorite for both international visitors and French locals from the Rhône-Alpes region. - Les 3 Vallées
The largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées includes iconic resorts like Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, and Les Menuires. With something for everyone—luxurious après-ski, extensive terrain, and slopes for all levels—it’s a top choice for French families and experts alike. - Espace Killy (Tignes & Val d’Isère)
Known for exceptional snow conditions and challenging runs, Espace Killy is globally renowned and a hit with French skiers seeking a mix of adventure and quality. - Alpe d’Huez
Famous for its sunny weather and family-friendly slopes, Alpe d’Huez offers vast ski areas and reliable snow. It’s perfect for groups and families looking for varied terrain. - Serre Chevalier
Located in the Southern Alps, Serre Chevalier combines sunny weather, a relaxed vibe, and excellent value. It’s especially popular with skiers from the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. - La Plagne
Part of the Paradiski area, La Plagne is a family favorite with wide slopes, great facilities, and convenient access. - Les Deux Alpes
A unique option offering both winter and summer skiing thanks to its glacier, Les Deux Alpes is ideal for those seeking a lively après-ski scene and varied runs.
Our Winter Adventure: Christmas holiday in Serre Chevalier
This past Christmas and New Year’s holiday, my family and I decided to dive into the French skiing experience. I’ve skied before in my teenage years while living in New Zealand, but for my husband and two kids, it was a brand-new adventure. When my son Fabio excitedly agreed to try skiing, my sister and I began the search for the perfect destination.
We wanted a resort that was budget-friendly, less than three hours from my sister’s home in La Fare, and ideal for beginners. We ultimately chose Serre Chevalier and found a cozy Airbnb located on Villeneuve-la-salle in between 2 ski stations (La-salle-les-alpes and Chantamerle). The house was a winter wonderland dream, perfect for two families.
Exploring Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier is made up of several charming villages, each offering its own unique vibe:
- Briançon: A historic town with impressive fortifications and excellent access to the ski area.
- Villeneuve (La Salle-les-Alpes): The heart of the ski area, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and lively après-ski.
- Le Monêtier-les-Bains: Famous for its natural thermal baths and peaceful charm.
- Saint-Chaffrey: A quieter village with affordable accommodations and proximity to the slopes.
Our Airbnb’s location allowed us to easily access both La Salle-les-Alpes and Saint-Chaffrey, each offering something special. For our first day, we chose Saint-Chaffrey’s Chantemerle slope and booked a private family ski lesson through ESI Generation. This ski school stood out because it offered lessons tailored for families, making it the ideal choice for beginners like us.
A Day to Remember: Our Ski Lesson in Chantemerle
Our instructor, Robin, was a gem—patient, encouraging, and fluent in English. (Pro tip: Not all instructors in the region are, so we felt fortunate!) Although I hadn’t skied in over 20 years, Robin reassured me it was like riding a bike. He was right, though I quickly realized that my confidence wasn’t what it used to be! Fabio, on the other hand, picked it up like a natural, while Alyssa did remarkably well for her first time. My husband found it a bit more challenging due to a past knee injury, but he persevered with a smile.
After the lesson, we continued practicing on our own, gradually gaining confidence. It was New Year’s Eve, and as the day came to a close, snow began to fall—a magical ending to an unforgettable day.
Comparing the Slopes: Chantemerle vs. La Salle-les-Alpes
We also tried skiing at La Salle-les-Alpes, which we found to be more beginner-friendly with its gentle slopes and designated sledging areas. However, Chantemerle offered stunning views from its higher-altitude slopes, accessible via a ski lift. Both villages provided unique experiences, making our time in Serre Chevalier even more memorable.
Why Serre Chevalier Stole Our Hearts
Serre Chevalier proved to be the perfect destination for our family’s first skiing adventure together. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent facilities, and varied slopes, it’s an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. For us, the combination of family lessons, cozy accommodations, and the magical Alpine setting made it a holiday we’ll cherish forever.
You can also book a relaxing time at the thermal pool at Le Monetier. But be aware that they are not allowing burkini. Hence I skipped the spa time, but my sister went and she said it was fabulous and her little daughter was enjoying her time at the pool.
If you’re considering a ski trip to the French Alps, Serre Chevalier is worth adding to your list. Whether you’re new to skiing or an experienced adventurer, this beautiful region has something for everyone.
Until next time, happy skiing and Happy New Year from all of us!!
